Our Work

Our work started in January 2012 with the school opening events in Kungwini. We had visited 5 schools to meet with the principals, educators (teachers) and learners (pupils) accompanied by the MEC of Gauteng, Mayor of Pretoria and his staff, members of the department of education and the school board members. The agenda was to do a need assessment at the schools for medical services.

Soon thereafter we were informed of a school for Learners with special education needs in Kungwini that were in need of help as learner progress over the past years was stagnant, and enrollment was rapidly climbing beyond its capacity. This led to the assistance given by the Kungwini Dream Fund to the Sizanani school for special education needs (LSEN) and the commencement of the Student Health Initiative Project (SHIP) over the next 2 months (see report).

Learners with mild intellectual, adaptive and communication disorders were the first group to be thoroughly assessed by Dr. Hussain for medical, social and developmental needs, with the aid of their educators. This resulted in a rapid evaluation and management plan to improve the wellbeing of the learners who were afflicted by medical illnesses, developmental delays, physical, emotional and social difficulties.

The application of these outcomes was challenging. Health services are costly and unsubsidized by the state. Recruiting medical professionals stalled. Much needed laboratory services were declined by privately owned laboratories as they do not do any ‘pro bono’ work. We decided to fund these services and recruited a local physician to visit the school biweekly and maintain the services. The educators were praised and encouraged to continue their exceptional work with the learners with the provision of a monthly reward for the ‘educator of the month’ prize. Regional dentists, optometrists and physiotherapists and occupational therapists were engaged to assist in the project. Local business people, community members and politicians were requested to participate towards the success of the learner’s education and progress.

At present, the engaged community members continue to maintain their interest and assistance in the project. This is a small step for us, and a giant leap for the learners to acquire an optimal education and strive for an independent future.

The Kungwini Dream Fund is planning to solidify this community based project and extend this model to other communities with special education needs in the province, and beyond.

Financial Results

2022 Financial Statements

2021 Financial Statements

2020 Financial Statements

2019 Financial Statements

2018 Financial Statements

2017 Financial Statements

Our Programs

Medical Program

Our Medical Program benefits hundreds of children in the disadvantaged communities around Kungwini where we offer our regular on-site medical assessments and treatments; identify medical and psychological barriers to education; physiotherapy, and occupational therapy sessions. The impact of this program can be seen at school where children obtain better education and mobility, improved attendance and performance at classes, improved social interaction, and integration in their communities.

Assistive Devices

Our Assistive Devices Program provides assistive devices that improve posture and mobility, facilitate medical and other therapies, and support the efforts of the educators, our therapists and physicians

Drug Program

Our Drug Benefit Program provides the essential medications to these children who are unable to afford them. Many of these children are orphaned or abandoned and reside in temporary shelters.

Student Bursaries

The Board of the Kungwini Dream Fund agreed to provide bursaries to students with challenges in paying for and wishing to attend a college or a university for further education. Applications are screened and reviewed by the board. Since its inception in 2022, four students were granted bursaries and one has successfully achieved a teacher’s certification in special education needs.

Support of other orphanages

The board approved expansion of it’s mandate to support other orphanages in the Kungwini region. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the orphanages lacked sufficient food and grocery resources. Since 2023, monthly funding for groceries and food are being provided to 2 orphanages in the Benoni / Springs area for a total of 165 orphaned children.

Social Program

Our Social Program includes campaigns to promote our activities in their schools and communities; engage the communities and businesses to support and aid the program so as to sustain the initiatives of the Kungwini Dream Fund and it’s projects. We have the support and guidance for these projects from the Mayor’s office of Tswane (Pretoria), the ANC Chief Whip, Counsellor J. Mabona and his secretary Mr. Peter Nkosi.

Inclusive Education

We support Inclusive Education programs in disadvantaged communities and support children with disabilities in mainstream schools. Information is given to educators in optimizing the children’s health, identifying at- risk situations, and exercises that promote health.

Ambassadors Program

Our Ambassadors Program encourages a relationship with a group of young people who want to work with the KDF. The aim of the project will be to promote Campaign events (e.g. Art & Poetry Competition, Sport, Auctions, etc.) at their school and in their community in order to raise a positive awareness of inclusion and diversity for the intellectually and physically challenged members of the community. to stimulate ideas, develop leadership skills and escalate community development.

Water wells project

In 2023, due to the water shortages in the area, some schools were closed and others had to reduce their operational days as the water trucks reduced their delivery of water to once a week. Some communities developed water borne illnesses and abandoned their homes and schools. Organized marches and protests had little benefit. The board agreed to support the provision of water wells for those needy schools and communities. As of 2024, three water wells have successfully been established with abundant drinkable water, some as deep as 156 meters. The three wells are located at Kwamahlangu High School; Community of Siyabuswa and Kuilsrivier.

Out Reach Program

Sizanane LSEN School Program

Since 2011, the Kungwini Dream Fund has been closely aligned with the Sizanane School for Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSEN) in providing health, educational, therapeutic and sporting and recreational provisions for improving the educational and health conditions at the school. Classrooms for woodwork, arts and crafts, hairdressing, knitting and embroidery, welding, and sports were extensively supplied and supported. Mobility aids, sports uniform, bags and shoes, educational toys and medical equipment, pharmaceuticals and devices are continually provided.

Sizanane Educators and Staff Appreciation Program

Every year, the staff of the Sizanane School for Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSEN) are honored for their dedication and devotion to caring for the children. Their services are humanitarian and so the Kungwini Dream Fund provides each staff with grocery gift vouchers worth a month of groceries at the beginning of the school year. Laptop computers are awarded annually to the highest achieving educators.

Alphonso Project and the construction of the ‘CANADA HOUSE’ in 2020

During a routine medical call to a children’s shelter, a request was made for building a bedroom for an overnight supervisor for the 50 children sleeping in 2 small rooms. Instead, the Kungwini Dream Fund constructed the ‘Canada House’ that has comfortable 4 large bedrooms, multiple shower stalls and toilets, a library, a kitchen, a TV room, a medical room and storage rooms. This was fortunately completed in time before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kindergarten Project 2019

A visit to ‘Dark City’ (a poverty-stricken neighborhood of Kungwini) uncovered the Thuto Pele Children’s Crèche with 300 toddlers and children in need of toys, clothing, blankets, educational supplies, books, heaters for the classrooms and a playing area. The Kungwini Dream Fund provided for all the needs including developing a playfield with brick paving. Warm winter clothing obtained from Canada were supplied.

Establishing the ‘Kungwini Dream Fund– South Africa’ 2019

A branch of the Kungwini Dream Fund was officially registered in South Africa as a non-profit organisation (NPO) to manage the funds locally, instead of carrying funds personally from Canada. This will benefit us by gaining a tax exemption of 15% (VAT) for all services.

The Kungwini Dream Fund is a registered charity with Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (#80882 7687 RR0001). Kungwini Dream Fund issues official receipts for income tax purposes.